
New Field of Study
Chris Xu of ThermoGenesis discusses his Rancho Cordova company’s role in the coronavirus pandemic
After screening millions of cells that secrete antibodies, scientists at a Rancho Cordova-based automated cell processing company and its collaboration partners believe they found a potential path to treat COVID-19.

Putting Security at the Forefront
Brian Maletsky of Capital Network Solutions talks about cybersecurity challenges faced by businesses with employees working remotely
As companies have transitioned en masse to remote operations due to the coronavirus, Brian Maletsky has had a front-row seat to some of their cybersecurity missteps. He spoke to Comstock’s about some of the unique security challenges businesses are facing during the pandemic.

Startup of the Month: OpenGrants
Platform simplifies search for public funding
Based in Sacramento, OpenGrants is a free platform that uses machine learning to sift through, list and match users with grant writers and opportunities. The platform reduces the opportunity cost inherent in the grant funding process by 30-40 percent.

Behind the Mask
Precision Medical Products CEO Jeremy Perkins on how the Rocklin-based company has pivoted to produce more personal protective equipment
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Precision Medical Products primarily focused on products for post-surgical patients. But with PPE in short supply nationwide, the company swiftly allocated all its resources toward the production and distribution of N95 and KN95 respirators.

Sun Power
Evolving practices help bring solar cooking to the world stage
Solar Cookers International, the world’s leading organization on solar cooking, has been based in Sacramento since 1987. SCI’s work to reduce dependency on fuelwood could have far-reaching global economic impacts.

Protecting Our Privacy
Cybersecurity advocate George Usi on how businesses can prepare for an eventual compromise
George Usi founded Rancho Cordova-based Omnistruct in 2019, selling cybersecurity compliance programs to businesses. We spoke with Usi about his mission to educate businesses so they can manage their risk when a cybersecurity breach occurs.

Here’s What Happens to Science When California’s Researchers Shelter in Place
After California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s order for Californians to shelter in place, university campuses across the state began gauging the risk of letting research continue. And scientists are finding their work, plans and lives upended by the spread of the novel coronavirus.

A Shield Against COVID-19
Operation Shields Up aims to create at least 12,000 face shields for first responders treating COVID-19
Alan Puccinelli, an Auburn resident and founder and CEO of 3D printing company Repkord, is working to create face shields for medical professionals treating COVID-19.

Making STEM More Inclusive
There are ways to help women and girls join the STEM field
We have an opportunity. In 2015, women held less than 24 percent of jobs in science, technology, engineering and math in the United States, despite making up more than 47 percent of our workforce, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Startup of the Month: DapIt
Digital gift cards give small businesses a boost
With gift cards continuing to soar in popularity, a Woodland-based startup aims to bring their convenience to small businesses while cutting down on plastic.